From 2000-2013, the U.S. experienced 849 federally declared natural disasters; the majority due to severe storms. Data source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can include any number of weather related events and are often determined by geographical location. Fortunately, most natural disaster situations are predictable, allowing communities and individuals the opportunity to prepare prior to the event.
Preparing before a natural disaster can help to:
- Minimize the impact on you and your family
- Protect and preserve your home, farm and business
- Protect the well-being of your pets and livestock
Natural Disaster Preparedness Resources
Find information and resources to help you prepare for natural disaster situations.
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Floods |
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Severe Thunderstorms |
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Tornadoes |
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Excessive Heat |
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Drought |
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Winter Storms |
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Disaster Assistance |
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Wildfires |
Additional Web Resources
Animal Health Hazards of Concern During Natural Disasters
A review of infectious and non-infectious hazards for animals that have previously been related to national disasters.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
A review of infectious and non-infectious hazards for animals that have previously been related to national disasters.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
CDC's main website of resources for natural disasters and severe weather emergency preparedness and response.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC's main website of resources for natural disasters and severe weather emergency preparedness and response.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Extension Disaster Education Network [EDEN]
Web-based database of extension resources addressing preparedness and recovery topics following a variety of hazards and disaster situations.
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Web-based database of extension resources addressing preparedness and recovery topics following a variety of hazards and disaster situations.
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Federal Disaster Declarations
Website listing federal disaster declarations for the United States, by year or by state.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website listing federal disaster declarations for the United States, by year or by state.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Weather Service
Current warnings and forecasts for the United States.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Current warnings and forecasts for the United States.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Natural Disasters
Main website of resources from the EPA on planning, preparing, responding and recovering from various natural disasters and weather emergencies.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Main website of resources from the EPA on planning, preparing, responding and recovering from various natural disasters and weather emergencies.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
CDC main website for natural disasters preparedness and response resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC main website for natural disasters preparedness and response resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Natural Hazards: A National Threat
Factsheet discussing the impact of natural disasters and the role of the USGS in monitoring and responding to these situations.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Factsheet discussing the impact of natural disasters and the role of the USGS in monitoring and responding to these situations.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
NOAA Weather Radio Channels for Your Area
Website listing with the National Weather Radio transmitter areas (states and counties), frequencies and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes needed to receive emergency alerts.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Website listing with the National Weather Radio transmitter areas (states and counties), frequencies and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes needed to receive emergency alerts.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Presidential Disaster Declarations Map-1964 to 2013
Map showing the number of Presidential disaster declarations in the U.S. from December 1964 to March 2013.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Map showing the number of Presidential disaster declarations in the U.S. from December 1964 to March 2013.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Presidential Disaster Declarations Map-2000 to 2013
Map showing the number of Presidential disaster declarations in the U.S. from January 2000 to March 2013.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Map showing the number of Presidential disaster declarations in the U.S. from January 2000 to March 2013.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Prevent Illness After a Natural Disaster
Factsheet addressing health risks and hazards after a disaster situation. Includes animal and insect related hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, food and water safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Factsheet addressing health risks and hazards after a disaster situation. Includes animal and insect related hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, food and water safety.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Severe Weather 101
Website with information about weather phenomena, including tornadoes, tunderstorms, floods, and winter weather.
National Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA NSSL)
Website with information about weather phenomena, including tornadoes, tunderstorms, floods, and winter weather.
National Severe Storms Laboratory (NOAA NSSL)
Storm Recovery Guide
General information regarding safety and recovery from natural disasters including storms, floods, and power outages.
Iowa State University Extension
General information regarding safety and recovery from natural disasters including storms, floods, and power outages.
Iowa State University Extension
Types of Emergency
Webpage discussing with information on a wide range of disasters and emergencies.
American Red Cross (ARC)
Webpage discussing with information on a wide range of disasters and emergencies.
American Red Cross (ARC)
USDA Emergency Response
Website with links to information on various emergencies and how to prepare.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Website with links to information on various emergencies and how to prepare.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs
Website for Disaster Assistance Programs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Website for Disaster Assistance Programs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Using Generators for Electrical Power
Tips for safely using generators as a source of electrical power.
Louisiana State University Ag Center
Tips for safely using generators as a source of electrical power.
Louisiana State University Ag Center
Water Watch
A map or real-time streamflow compared to historical steramflow.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
A map or real-time streamflow compared to historical steramflow.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)